Convertible iron/steamer

ABSTRACT

A hand-held, convertible pressing iron/steamer device includes a steaming module including a compartment for holding water, and a heater for producing steam from the water. The device further includes an ironing module including a heatable flat pressing bottom surface, the ironing module being selectively attachable to the steaming module so as to direct steam through the flat pressing bottom surface. There is also a handle attachable to the steaming module and the ironing module. In a first configuration, the handle is operably and detachably mounted to the steaming module alone. In a second configuration, the handle is operably and detachably mounted to the steaming module and the ironing module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a device for treating fabricarticles, including garments. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a convertible iron/steamer.

There is a great need for portable, efficient devices to steam and irongarments. It is well-known to use a steaming iron when ironing clothesand other garments. Non-iron devices called “steamers” have also beenused to remove wrinkles and creases from clothes on a hanger or hangingfrom a rack by jetting steam to the clothes. These steamers do not havean ironing function because they lack the hot pressing plate found onirons. Both steam irons and steamers have been used for apply steam toremove creases and crinkles from hanging garments and other clothmaterials. Steam has also been used in the cleaning of a variety ofobjects such as curtains, couches, furniture covers (e.g., couchcovers), etc.

While steamers and steaming irons have been useful steam devices,neither device by itself is versatile enough for various applicationswhich require the use of both devices. For example, a steaming iron canbe heavy and bulky to use when steaming curtains and other hangingobjects such as a wrinkled men's suit jacket. The steamer is generallylighter and easier to manipulate for steaming, hanging clothing, andother cloth objects. However, while a steamer may be useful to steam ahanging men's suit jacket, the steamer can not be used to iron out apersistent wrinkle in the suit since the steamer lacks the hot pressingplate found on irons.

Many different types of irons and steam devices have been employed toiron and steam objects such as clothing. However, these steamers andsteaming irons have their limitations, as described above and asfollows. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,935 discloses an appliance fortreating a garment with steamer and iron. However, this appliance is arelatively large, bulky, multi-part device that requires separatesteamer and iron attachments that share a common water supply at a baseto which the steamer and iron are attached. This system is not practicalfor situations that require compactness and portability, and thissystem, due to its relatively large size, would not be able to fit intoa small suitcase without taking up a good deal of room, if it could fitin the suitcase at all. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,411discloses an electric fabric steaming appliance having a detachablemetallic sale-plate. However, the modularity of the appliance limitedand does not appear to provide swift and simple transitions between asteamer configuration and an ironing configuration.

While devices such as those described above may provide means ofsteaming and ironing garments and the like, such methods can always beimproved to provide better portability and flexibility.

Accordingly, there is a need for a pressing iron/steamer device thatreduces the number of individual devices that are needed to iron andsteam an object. What is also needed is a pressing iron/steamer devicethat is portable and useful in a variety of applications. There is afurther need for a pressing iron/steamer device that is modular. Thereis an additional need for a modular pressing iron/steamer device that isrelatively compact in size and inexpensive. The present inventionsatisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pressing iron/steamer device is illustrated and described thatprovides flexibility, portability and modularity. This device is usablein any situation where an object needs to be ironed and/or steamed.These situations can occur anywhere there is a need to iron and/or steaman object, such as in the home, in a hotel, at the office, or the like.

A hand-held, convertible pressing iron/steamer device includes asteaming module having a compartment for holding water, and a heater forproducing steam from the water. The device further includes an ironingmodule including a heatable flat pressing bottom surface, the ironingmodule being selectively attachable to the steaming module so as todirect steam through the flat pressing bottom surface. There is also ahandle attachable to the steaming module and the ironing module. In afirst configuration, the handle is operably and detachably mounted tothe steaming module alone. In a second configuration, the handle isoperably and detachably mounted to the steaming module and the ironingmodule.

The device includes a power cord operatively connected to the handle toprovide power to the steaming module and/or the ironing module. Thedevice also includes a switch for activating/deactivating emission ofsteam from the steaming module.

The handle seals the compartment for holding water in the steamingmodule. At least one of the handle and steaming module includes adocking clamp for engaging a docking recess on the other of the handleand steaming module when the handle and steaming module are engaged, anda switch for releasing the docking clamp when disengaging the handle andthe steaming module.

The steaming module includes a steam passage aperture in alignment witha steam tube in the ironing module when the device is in the secondconfiguration.

The ironing module includes a switch for activating/deactivating theheatable flat pressing bottom surface. The ironing module furtherincludes a switch for adjusting the temperature of the heatable flatpressing bottom surface. The ironing module is operably and detachablymounted to the steaming module.

The steaming module and the ironing module are each operably anddetachably mounted to the handle at a particular interface. The handleincludes a power cord for providing power to the steaming module in boththe first and second configurations, and to the ironing module in thesecond configuration.

The ironing module and the steaming module are slidingly engaged from afirst direction at an interface. A post on at least one of the ironingmodule and steaming module engages a recess on the other of the ironingmodule and steaming module.

The handle and the steaming module are slidingly engaged from a seconddirection. A post on at least one of the handle and steaming moduleengages a recess on the other of the handle and steaming module.

When the handle and both modules are engaged, a first post on at leastone of the ironing module and steaming module engages a first recess onthe other of the ironing module and steaming module, and a second poston at least one of the handle and steaming module engages a secondrecess on the other of the handle and steaming module.

A portion of one of the handle and steaming module includes maleelectrical connections, and a portion of the other of the handle andsteaming module includes female electrical connections, wherein the maleand female electrical connections engage when the handle and steamingmodule slidably engage from the second direction. Additionally, aportion of one of the handle and ironing module includes male electricalconnections, and a portion of the other of the handle and ironing moduleincludes female electrical connections, wherein the male and femaleelectrical connections engage when the handle and steaming moduleslidably engage from the second direction.

At least one of the handle and steaming module includes a docking clampfor engaging a docking recess on the other of the handle and steamingmodule when the handle and steaming module are engaged, and a switch forreleasing the docking clamp when disengaging the handle and the steamingmodule.

The steaming module includes an aperture for emitting steam operablyconnected to the heater for producing steam; and the ironing moduleincludes a steam tube for passing steam through the ironing module andemitting steam from the flat pressing bottom surface of the ironingmodule. The steam tube is directly aligned with the aperture foremitting steam when the device is in the second configuration.

The pressing iron/steamer device reduces the number of individualdevices that are needed to iron and steam an object. The device is alsoportable and useful in a variety of applications. The device is modularand relatively compact in size and inexpensive.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparentfrom the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top orthogonal view of a device embodying the presentinvention in one configuration;

FIG. 2 is a bottom orthogonal view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top orthogonal view of the device of FIG. 1 embodying thepresent invention in another configuration;

FIG. 4 is a bottom orthogonal view of the device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom orthogonal view of a handle of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded orthogonal view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 3; and

FIGS. 10 and 11 are electrical schematics of the device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is useful in a variety of applications thatrequire flexibility, portability and modularity. This device is usablein any situation where an object needs to be ironed and/or steamed.These situations can occur anywhere there is a need to iron and/or steaman object, such as in the home, in a hotel, at the office, or the like.The present invention reduces the number of individual devices that areneeded to iron and steam an object and is relatively compact in size andinexpensive.

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the presentinvention resides in a convertible iron/steamer. With reference to FIGS.1-10, an iron/steamer device 20 includes a steaming module 22, anironing module 24, and a handle 26. The handle 26 is attachable to andremovable from the steaming module 22 and the ironing module 24. In afirst configuration, the handle 26 is operably and detachably mountedonly to the steaming module 22 (FIGS. 3 and 4), and in a secondconfiguration the handle 26 is operably and detachably mounted to boththe steaming module 22 and the ironing module 24 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The steaming module 22 includes a compartment 28 for holding a certainamount of water 30, and a heater 32 which heats the water 30 in thecompartment 28 in order to produce steam 34 from the water 30. Theheater 32 may be in the form of at least one metallic element whichheats the water 30 in the compartment 28 when electric current isapplied to the metallic element. The metallic element may be made fromany highly conductive metal, such as copper. The steam 34 produced bythe heater 32 is passed into a steam passage 36 within the steamingmodule 22 and out of the module 22 through a steam passage aperture 38.

The ironing module 24 includes a heatable flat pressing bottom surface40, also referred to as a sale-plate. The pressing bottom surface 36includes grooves 42 for the distribution of the steam 34. The ironingmodule 24 is selectively attachable to the steaming module 22 so as todirect steam 34 through the flat pressing bottom surface 36. A steamtube 44 in the ironing module 24 is aligned with the steam passageaperture 38 when the device 20 is in the second configuration. Theportion of the pressing bottom surface 40 adjacent to the steam tube 44includes a plurality of apertures 46 that allow the steam 34 to beemitted from the ironing module 24. The ironing module 24 also includesa dial knob 48 which is connected to a switch 50 foractivating/deactivating the heatable flat pressing bottom surface 40 bya gear drive 52. This knob/switch 48, 50 acts as a thermostat 54 thatalso allows a user to adjust the temperature of the flat pressing bottomsurface 40 to several different temperature settings. The switch 50 isconnected to at least one heating coil 56 which heats the pressingbottom surface 40. Alternatively, separate switches may be used toactuate/dedicate the heating function and adjust the temperature.

An on/off switch 58 that regulates the flow of electrical power throughthe device 20 is located on the handle 26. The on/off switch 58 alsoactivates/deactivates emission of steam from the steaming module 22. Inthe alternative, the power and steaming functions could be controlled byseparate switches. A power cord 60 with a conventional plug 62 isoperatively connected to the handle 26 to provide power to the device20, in general, and to the steaming module 22 and the ironing module 24,in particular. One end 64 of the power cord 60 is permanently attachedto the handle 26 and encased in a soft plastic that provides bothprotection and flexibility to the power cord 60. In the alternative, thepower cord 60 may be modular so as to be attachable/detachable to thehandle 26 with the end 64 including male or female electricalconnections to connect to mating electrical connections in the handle26. The handle 26 also includes a pilot light 66, in the form a neonbulb or light emitting diode, to indicate that the device 20 is active.The handle 26 provides power to the steaming module 22 in both the firstand second configurations, and to the ironing module 24 in the secondconfiguration.

The handle 26 seals the water-receiving opening 68 of the compartment 28in the steaming module 22 when the handle 26 is mated to the steamingmodule 22.

The steaming module 22 includes a docking clamp 77 for engaging adocking recess 72 on the handle 26 when the handle 26 and steamingmodule 22 are engaged. The steaming module 22 also includes a dockingrelease switch 74 for releasing the docking clamp 70 from the dockingrecess 72 when the handle 26 is disengaged from the steaming module 22.In the alternative, the docking clamp 70 and release switch 74 could belocated on the handle 26 with the docking recess 46 located on thesteaming module 22.

The steaming module 22, ironing module 24, and handle 26 may be madefrom plastic or any other suitable material. The heatable pressingbottom surface 40 may be made from any metal used in conventional ironsfor that purpose.

The handle 26 and modules 22, 24 of the device 20 may be operably anddetachably mounted to each other. The ironing module 24 and the steamingmodule 22 are slidingly engaged from a first direction at an interface76. The interface 76 includes an L-shaped or hook post 78 located on atop surface 80 of the ironing module 24 which slides into a matingrecess 82 on the steaming module 22. The ironing module 24 furtherincludes an electrical plug portion 84 protruding from the top surface80 which slides into a recess 86 located on a bottom surface 88 of thesteaming module 22 as the modules 22, 24 are mated. Alternatively, thepost 78 may be located on the bottom surface 88of the steaming module 22and the recess 82 located on the top surface 80 of the ironing module24.

The electrical plug portion 84 includes male electrical connections 90which face towards a rear portion 92 of the device 20. The steamingmodule 22 also includes male electrical connections94 which face towardsthe rear portion 92 of the device 20. The handle 26 includes femaleelectrical connections 96 which are oriented in the direction of themale electrical connections 90, 94. The respective male and femaleelectrical connections 90, 94, 96 of the handle 26 and modules 22, 24engage when the handle 26 and the modules 22, 24 slidably engage from asecond direction, generally opposite the first direction, at aninterface 98. Alternatively, the male and female electrical connections90, 94, 96 may be arranged in any male/female fashion on the handle 26and modules 22, 24. The interface 98 includes an L-shaped or hook post100 located on a top surface 102 of the steaming module 22 which slidesinto a mating recess 104 on a bottom surface 106 of the handle 26.Alternatively, the post 100 may be located on the bottom surface 106 ofthe handle 26 and the recess 104 located on the steaming module 22. Asthe handle 26 and steaming module 22 engage, the docking clamp 40engages the docking recess 72. As the handle 26 and steaming module 22engage, the handle 26 also engages the ironing module 24 as the femaleelectrical connections 96 of the handle 26 engage the male electricalconnections 90, 94 of the modules 22, 24.

The ironing module 24 is not detachable from the steaming module 22 whenthe handle 26 is mounted to both modules 22, 24. The ironing module 24is only detachable from the steaming module 22 when the handle 26 isdetached from both modules 22, 24.

The handle 26 and the ironing module 24 each include, respectively,backrest pods 108, 110 that allow the device 20 to be placed in a restposition so that the pressing bottom surface 40 is not in contact withany material which could burn from prolonged contact with the bottomsurface 40 when the ironing function of the device 20 is active.

In an alternative, if a user desires to only iron, and not steam, agarment or other object, the handle 26 may be connected to the ironingmodule 24 only.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the electrical schematics of the device 20.The handle 26 includes circuitry 112 for routing power to the modules22, 24. As seen in FIG. 10, inserting the ironing module 24 into thesteaming module breaks an electrical contact point 114 which isotherwise closed. However, when the ironing module 24 breaks theelectrical contact point 114, the electrical circuit providing power tothe steaming module 22 is still closed by the ironing module 24. In thisrespect, when the handle 26 is mated to both modules 22, 24 and a plug162 of the power cord 40 is connected to a power source, power stillflows to the steaming module 22. There are also separate electricalconnections 116 to prevent current in the steaming module 22 when thedevice 20 is on other settings. In the alternative, a timer may beincluded to provide an automatic power shut-off.

In use, a user may prepare a garment for wear by eliminating wrinklesand other creases from the garment by steaming the garment. The userfills the compartment 28 of the steaming module 22 with water 30. Oncethe compartment 28 is filled to a desired level, the user then attachesthe handle 26 to the steaming module 22. The handle 26 provides power tothe steaming module 22 when the power cord 60 is plugged into a powersource, such as an electrical wall socket. When the handle 26 is matedto the steaming module 22, the handle 26 seals the opening of thecompartment 28 into which the water 30 was poured. After turning on thepower switch 58, the user may then proceed to steam the garment.

Alternatively, a user may prepare a garment for wear by eliminatingwrinkles and other creases from the garment by both ironing and steamingthe garment. The user fills the compartment 28 of the steaming module 22with water 30. Once the compartment 28 is filled to a desired level, theuser then mates the steaming module 22 to an ironing module 24. The userthen attaches the handle 26 to both the steaming module 22 and theironing module 24. The handle 26 provides power to both the steamingmodule 22 and the ironing module 24 when the power cord 60 is pluggedinto a power source, such as an electrical wall socket. When the handle26 is mated to the steaming module 22, the handle 26 seals the openingof the compartment 28 into which the water 30 was poured. After turningon the power switch 58, the user may then proceed to iron and/or steamthe garment.

The user may choose not to steam the garment as it is being ironed. Inthat case, the user need not fill the compartment 28 with water 30 priorto mating the handle 26 to the steaming and ironing modules 22, 24. Inanother alternative, after a user has already begun to steam thegarment, the user may decide to also iron the garment. In thissituation, the user would deactivate the power switch 38, detach thehandle 26 from the steaming module 22 mate the ironing module 24 to thesteaming module 22, then and proceed as described above.

The above-described embodiment of the present invention is illustrativeonly and not limiting. It will thus be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom this invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the appendedclaims encompass all such changes and modifications as falling withinthe true spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A hand-held, convertible pressing iron/steamer device, comprising: asteaming module including a compartment for holding water, and a heaterfor producing steam from the water; an ironing module including aheatable flat pressing bottom surface, the ironing module beingselectively attachable to the steaming module so as to direct steamthrough the flat pressing bottom surface; and a handle attachable to thesteaming module and the ironing module, wherein in a first configurationthe handle is operably and detachably mounted to the steaming modulealone, and in a second configuration the handle is operably anddetachably mounted to the steaming module and the ironing module.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, including a power cord operatively connected to thehandle to provide power to the steaming module and the ironing module.3. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle seals the compartment forholding water in the steaming module.
 4. The device of claim 1, whereinat least one of the handle and steaming module includes a docking clampfor engaging a docking recess on the other of the handle and steamingmodule when the handle and steaming module are engaged, and a switch forreleasing the docking clamp when disengaging the handle and the steamingmodule.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the steaming module includes asteam passage aperture in alignment with a steam tube in the ironingmodule when the device is in the second configuration.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the ironing module includes a switch foractivating/deactivating the heatable flat pressing bottom surface. 7.The device of claim 1, wherein the ironing module includes a switch foradjusting the temperature of the heatable flat pressing bottom surface.8. The device of claim 1, including a switch for activating/deactivatingemission of steam from the steaming module.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein the ironing module is operably and detachably mounted to thesteaming module.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the steaming moduleand the ironing module are each operably and detachably mounted to thehandle at a particular interface, and wherein the handle includes apower cord for providing power to the steaming module in both the firstand second configurations, and to the ironing module in the secondconfiguration.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the ironing module andthe steaming module are slidingly engaged from a first direction at aninterface.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein a post on at least one ofthe ironing module and steaming module engages a recess on the other ofthe ironing module and steaming module.
 13. The device of claim 11,wherein the handle and the steaming module are slidingly engaged from asecond direction.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein a post on at leastone of the handle and steaming module engages a recess on the other ofthe handle and steaming module.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein apost on at least one of the ironing module and steaming module engages arecess on the other of the ironing module and steaming module.
 16. Thedevice of claim 13, wherein a first post on at least one of the ironingmodule and steaming module engages a first recess on the other of theironing module and steaming module, and a second post on at least one ofthe handle and steaming module engages a second recess on the other ofthe handle and steaming module.
 17. The device of claim 13, wherein aportion of one of the handle and steaming module includes maleelectrical connections, and a portion of the other of the handle andsteaming module includes female electrical connections, wherein the maleand female electrical connections engage when the handle and steamingmodule slidably engage from the second direction.
 18. The device ofclaim 13, wherein a portion of one of the handle and ironing moduleincludes male electrical connections, and a portion of the other of thehandle and ironing module includes female electrical connections,wherein the male and female electrical connections engage when thehandle and steaming module slidably engage from the second direction.19. The device of claim 13, wherein a portion of one of the handle andironing module includes male electrical connections, and a portion ofthe other of the handle and ironing module includes female electricalconnections, and a portion of one of the handle and steaming moduleincludes male electrical connections, and a portion of the other of thehandle and steaming module includes female electrical connections,wherein the male and female electrical connections of the handle andsteaming module and the male and female connections of the handle andironing module respectively engage when the handle and steaming moduleslidably engage from the second direction.
 20. The device of claim 13,wherein at least one of the handle and steaming module includes adocking clamp for engaging a docking recess on the other of the handleand steaming module when the handle and steaming module are engaged, anda switch for releasing the docking clamp when disengaging the handle andthe steaming module.
 21. The device of claim 13, wherein the steamingmodule includes an aperture for emitting steam operably connected to theheater for producing steam; and the ironing module includes a steam tubefor passing steam through the ironing module and emitting steam from theflat pressing bottom surface of the ironing module; wherein the steamtube is directly aligned with the aperture for emitting steam when thedevice is in the second configuration.
 22. A hand-held, convertiblepressing iron/steamer device, comprising: a steaming module including acompartment for holding water, and a heater for producing steam from thewater; an ironing module including a heatable flat pressing bottomsurface, the ironing module being selectively attachable to the steamingmodule so as to direct steam through the flat pressing bottom surface;and a handle attachable to the steaming module and the ironing module,wherein in a first configuration the handle is operably and detachablymounted to the steaming module alone, and in a second configuration thehandle is operably and detachably mounted to the steaming module and theironing module; wherein the ironing module and the steaming module areslidingly engaged from a first direction at a first interface, and thehandle and the steaming module are slidingly engaged from a seconddirection at a second interface.
 23. The device of claim 22, wherein thefirst interface includes a first post on at least one of the ironingmodule and steaming module engages a first recess on the other of theironing module and steaming module and the second interface includes asecond post on at least one of the handle and steaming module thatengages a second recess on the other of the handle and steaming module.24. The device of claim 22, wherein a portion of one of the handle andironing module includes male electrical connections and a portion of theother of the handle and ironing module includes female electricalconnections, and a portion of one of the handle and steaming moduleincludes male electrical connections and a portion of the other of thehandle and steaming module includes female electrical connections suchthat the male and female electrical connections of the handle andsteaming module and the male and female connections of the handle andironing module respectively engage when the handle and steaming moduleslidably engage from the second direction.
 25. A hand-held, convertibleclothes pressing iron/steamer device, comprising: a steaming moduleincluding a compartment for holding water, a heater for producing steamfrom the water, and an aperture for emitting steam operably connected tothe heater for producing steam; an ironing module including a heatableflat pressing bottom surface, a steam tube for passing steam through theironing module and emitting steam from the flat pressing bottom surfaceof the ironing module, the ironing module being selectively attachableto the steaming module so as to direct steam through the flat pressingbottom surface when the device is in the second configuration and thesteam tube is directly aligned with the aperture for emitting steam; anda handle attachable to the steaming module and the ironing module,wherein in a first configuration the handle is operably and detachablymounted to the steaming module alone, and in a second configuration thehandle is operably and detachably mounted to the steaming module and theironing module, wherein the steaming module further includes at leastone docking clamp for engaging a particular docking recess on the handlewhen the handle and steaming module are engaged and a switch forreleasing the at least one docking clamp when disengaging the handle andthe steaming module; wherein the ironing module and the steaming moduleare slidingly engaged from a first direction at a first interface, andthe handle and the steaming module are slidingly engaged from a seconddirection at a second interface, wherein the first interface includes afirst post on at least one of the ironing module and steaming moduleengages a first recess on the other of the ironing module and steamingmodule and the second interface includes a second post on at least oneof the handle and steaming module that engages a second recess on theother of the handle and steaming module; and wherein a portion of one ofthe handle and ironing module includes male electrical connections and aportion of the other of the handle and ironing module includes femaleelectrical connections, a portion of one of the handle and steamingmodule includes male electrical connections and a portion of the otherof the handle and steaming module includes female electrical connectionssuch that the male and female electrical connections of the handle andsteaming module and the male and female connections of the handle andironing module respectively engage when the handle and steaming moduleslidably engage from the second direction.